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4 July 2005
ABB084/05
The Commonwealth Government today announced the members of an independent review of assisted reproductive technologies (also known as IVF).
The six member review committee will be chaired by Professor Ian Fraser, who is Professor of Reproductive Medicine in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Sydney.
Since Medicare began there have been significant changes in clinical practice and IVF expenditure has grown from $25.6 million in calendar year 1991, to $50.0 million in 2003 and $78.6 million in 2004.
Couples undergoing IVF treatment now get more financial support than ever before through the Medicare Safety Net. Many couples become eligible for the safety net in the first cycle and then 80 per cent of any out-of-hospital expenses are reimbursed for the remainder of the calendar year.
Other members of the committee include: Dr Andrew Pesce, a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist with 12 years experience; Dr Terry McGee, an obstetrician and gynaecologist with experience in the private and public sectors; Professor Peter Illingworth, with 18 years experience in clinical practice, specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology and is in current practice in IVF; and Ms Bettina Arndt, author and women’s activist. The sixth member will be the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer, Professor John Horvath.
The review will advise the government on the cost-effectiveness of funding assisted reproductive technologies in light of the most recent evidence from Australia and overseas.
The review will not consider the regulation of assisted reproductive technology as this is a state and territory responsibility. The review will report to the Minister by the end of February 2006. The terms of reference are attached.
For more information call Mr Abbott's office on ph 02 6277 7220.
Independent Review of Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Terms of Reference
The review will consider, and advise the Minister, on the clinical and cost effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for the purposes of public funding under the Medicare Benefits Schedule.
The review will examine the evidence to determine the costs and outcomes of ART in Australia and in other comparable countries.
The review will make recommendations to the Minister on:
- The clinical appropriateness of ART interventions for the management of infertility, including societal impacts;
- The clinical effectiveness of the various methods of ART, having regard to the underlying causes of infertility;
- Suitable measures of ART outcomes for reporting purposes;
- The extent to which ART should be publicly funded, having regard to effectiveness, access and equity;
- Any other matters the review considers relevant for the Minister’s consideration.
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